My research mainly focuses on Igneous Geochemistry. I am interested in how magmas are formed and the processes by which their compositions are modified as they move through the crust to be erupted at the earth's surface. My students and I address these topics by analysing and interpreting the elemental and isotopic compositions of volcanic rocks and minerals. Samples are prepared for elemental and isotopic analysis in the clean laboratory at Iowa and then analysed by ICP techniques at the University of Iowa (ICP-MS and ICP-AES) and other institutions (MC-ICP-MS).

I have opportunities available for motivated graduate students (M.S. and Ph.D.) and undergraduate students to participate in research projects in my lab. Details of some current research projects can be found on my Research page. If you are interested in doing a research project with me in any area of igneous petrology or inorganic geochemistry, feel free to send me an e-mail to discuss possibilities.